Thanks to all of our guests, we were able to start the New Year with a wonderful celebration. It began in the morning and lasted much of the day. It was so much fun!

Our staff dressed in lovely kimono and offered guests Toso, a spiced sake served at the New Year, along with their best wishes for health, happiness, and long lives. We also offered a light tea service in our tea room, Toryu, but the main event was yet to come!

It was the lion dance by Kamon Eishin.

Despite the early performance time, many guests came to watch. It is said that it is very good luck to be bitten by the god during the dance. Those bitten will be healthy for the New Year, and children will have improved academic ability.

Here a father holds his child as the god gently bites.

And once more…

And again for good luck…

And once more…

Even the manager of our hotel was bitten!

We wish you all the best for this New Year and look forward to sharing our upcoming Spring events with you soon!